March 21, 2026
According to Research and Markets, the global sunscreen market was valued at approximately $14.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $20.34 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.48%, driven by rising skin cancer awareness and demand for daily sun protection. The United States (U.S.) market alone reached an estimated $4.00 billion in 2025, making it the world’s largest single-country sun care market. Tennessee retailers selling sunscreen as a retail product must register through the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov and pay the $15 registration fee to their county or city clerk. All qualifying retail sales in the state are subject to Tennessee’s 7% state sales tax, which applies to sunscreen sold as a cosmetic or personal care item rather than as a drug.
Tennessee’s participation in this national market is both substantial and growing. Tennessee’s outdoor culture drives robust year-round sunscreen demand. The state’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the country, draws over 12 million visitors annually to trails with limited shade and high solar exposure. Lake Cumberland, Norris Lake, and Tennessee’s major river corridors attract millions of boaters, kayakers, and swimmers during summer months when the ultraviolet (UV) index in Tennessee’s southeastern cities regularly reaches 9 or above on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scale, classified as “Very High.” The Tennessee Department of Health has partnered with dermatology advocacy groups to raise awareness about melanoma, which the Skin Cancer Foundation identifies as responsible for approximately 75% of all skin cancer deaths in the U.S. This public health context has pushed sunscreen into the mainstream retail conversation in cities like Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
In parallel with these state factors, federal agencies maintain regulatory authority over this category. Unlike cosmetics, sunscreens are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs under 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 352, later updated through the Sunscreen Innovation Act (SIA) of 2014 to create a new pathway for evaluating active sunscreen ingredients. Sun protection factor (SPF) values must be substantiated through ISO 24444 testing protocols, and any SPF claim requires that the product also pass a critical wavelength test to qualify as broad-spectrum, offering coverage against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The FDA’s 2019 proposed rule would reclassify several widely used chemical filters, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have drawn scrutiny under California’s Proposition 65, as “not generally recognized as safe and effective” pending additional data. Two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, remain in the “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE) category. As of 2026, the FDA’s final rulemaking on sunscreen ingredient safety remains pending, and manufacturers are subject to new drug application (NDA) requirements for any new active ingredient. The proposed FDA rule on sunscreen monograph (the regulatory framework that defines approved OTC sunscreen ingredients and labeling requirements) modernization was initially estimated to impose compliance costs of approximately $4.6 million on small manufacturers.
With this regulatory context established, practical considerations for buyers come next. Several label terms carry specific regulatory meanings that affect what protection a Tennessee sunscreen buyer actually receives. An SPF 30 product blocks approximately 97% of UVB radiation, while SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%; dermatologists typically recommend SPF 30 as the minimum for daily outdoor use. Broad-spectrum labeling means the product meets FDA testing thresholds for both UVA and UVB protection, not just SPF. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as physical blockers that sit on the skin’s surface, while chemical filters such as avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate are absorbed into the skin to neutralize UV energy. Water resistance is rated in increments of 40 or 80 minutes, and any product claiming water resistance must specify which on its label. Tennessee consumers who experience deceptive labeling, misleading SPF claims, or bait-and-switch retail practices may file complaints under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), codified at Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-18-104, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts and practices in commerce. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 meets the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendation for daily skin protection, and the expiration date printed on the container indicates whether the active ingredients retain their protective effectiveness.
Top Sunscreen Providers in Tennessee
Walgreens, Chapman Highway, Knoxville
- Address: 4001 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
- Phone: (865) 573-0081
- Website: https://www.walgreens.com
- Description: This 24-hour Walgreens location on Chapman Highway in Knoxville carries one of the broadest sunscreen selections in East Tennessee, stocking mineral and chemical OTC sunscreen brands including Neutrogena, Coppertone, Banana Boat, and private-label store options across SPF ranges from 15 to 100+. The pharmacy staff can advise customers on sunscreen ingredients and help differentiate broad-spectrum products from those without UVA coverage. In-store pharmacy services and a cosmetics section make this a convenient one-stop shop for sun protection alongside prescriptions and skincare essentials.
Skin Pharm, Nashville
- Address: 2416 21st Ave S, Suite 201, Nashville, TN 37212
- Phone: (615) 582-6726
- Website: https://skinpharm.com
- Description: Founded in Nashville in 2017, Skin Pharm is a medical-grade skincare clinic and product line that carries physician-curated sunscreens, including its own 100% Mineral Tinted SPF formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The Nashville flagship location offers consultations with advanced practice providers, all nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who build personalized skincare regimens that typically include a daily SPF product. Skin Pharm’s e-commerce store at skinpharm.com ships its full sunscreen and skincare line nationwide.
REI, Brentwood (Nashville Area)
- Address: 261 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027
- Phone: (615) 376-4248
- Website: https://www.rei.com
- Description: REI’s Brentwood location, serving the greater Nashville metro area, stocks a curated selection of sport and outdoor sunscreens specifically suited to Tennessee’s hiking, paddling, and cycling community, including mineral and reef-safe formulas with 80-minute water resistance ratings. Brands typically carried include Sun Bum, All Good, Thinksport, and Neutrogena Sport, alongside UPF-rated sun-protective clothing and accessories. REI’s knowledgeable staff can help match sunscreen type and SPF to specific outdoor activities and skin tones.
Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville
- Address: 2000 Richard Jones Rd, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37215
- Phone: (615) 383-2400
- Website: https://goldskincare.com
- Description: Gold Skin Care Center is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatology practice that has served Nashville since 1990, led by internationally recognized dermatologist Dr. Michael H. Gold. The center carries physician-curated skincare products including broad-spectrum sunscreens formulated for sensitive and post-procedure skin, available through in-office consultations with board-certified providers. Gold Skin Care Center also operates The Laser & Rejuvenation Center and Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa, providing patients with comprehensive dermatology services alongside medical-grade sun protection recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a business license to sell sunscreen in Tennessee?
Yes. Any business selling sunscreen retail in Tennessee must obtain a business license from the county or city clerk in the jurisdiction where the business operates. The standard fee is $15, and business owners must also register with the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov to fulfill state tax obligations. Visit tntap.tn.gov to begin the registration process.
Is sunscreen subject to Tennessee’s sales tax?
Tennessee imposes a 7% state sales tax on qualifying retail sales. Sunscreen sold as a personal care or cosmetic product at retail is generally subject to this tax. However, sunscreen specifically marketed and labeled as an OTC drug, as many SPF products are, may be subject to different treatment; consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation. For tax guidance, contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue at (615) 253-0600.
Is sunscreen regulated as a drug or a cosmetic in the United States?
Sunscreen products that make SPF or broad-spectrum claims are regulated as OTC drugs by the FDA rather than as cosmetics. This means they must comply with the FDA’s drug monograph requirements under 21 CFR Part 352 (as updated by the Sunscreen Innovation Act), including substantiated SPF testing, permissible active ingredients, and accurate labeling. Refer to 21 CFR § 352 for the applicable regulatory standards.
What is the minimum SPF dermatologists recommend for Tennessee summers?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30 for daily outdoor use, with reapplication every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Tennessee’s summer UV index regularly reaches 9 or above in cities like Knoxville and Chattanooga, classified “Very High” by the EPA, making consistent SPF 30+ use especially important from May through September. For guidance on UV risk levels, consult the Skin Cancer Foundation at skincancer.org.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, physical blockers that reflect UV radiation from the skin’s surface. Chemical sunscreens use organic compounds such as avobenzone, octisalate, or homosalate that absorb UV energy and convert it to heat. The FDA currently classifies zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as GRASE, while several chemical filters remain under review pending additional safety data. Tennessee consumers who feel a product’s labeling is misleading may file a complaint under TCA § 47-18-104.
Can I return sunscreen to a Tennessee retailer if I have an adverse reaction?
Most Tennessee retailers accept returns on unopened sunscreen products within a standard return window. If you experience an adverse skin reaction to an OTC sunscreen drug product, you may also report the event to the FDA through MedWatch. Tennessee consumer protection law under TCA § 47-18-104 prohibits retailers from using deceptive return policies, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces truth-in-advertising standards for product claims. Report suspected deceptive practices to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.